Multi-media data automatic delivery system

ABSTRACT

A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/23 8,639, filed Jan. 28, 1999, and claims priority to Japanese PatentApplication No. 10-033681, filed Jan. 31, 1998, and Japanese PatentApplication No. 10-362476, filed December 21, 1998. The contents ofthese applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a system including a centersystem, terminal systems, and communication lines for the purpose ofdelivering and displaying contents, and particularly relates to amulti-media-automatic-delivery system in which data of moving-picturecontents such as commercial advertisement is transmitted from a centersystem to a plurality of terminal systems via communication lines so asto display the contents on screens of the terminal systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Surface-radio broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and cablebroadcasting are widely used to simultaneously send the identicalinformation to general audience residing in a wide range of areas.

When information of a local nature such as local commercials or localwhether information needs to be delivered to a particular local area,however, restricting the areas of delivery is rather a difficult task.

In recent years, cable television, which is directed to providingservice to a local area, has made a certain progress in market.Installation, however, is required in advance with respect to dedicatedadaptors, cables, and the like. Further, cable television also has adifficult technological challenge to overcome in order to deliverinformation to a selected area within the area of service.

An effort to overcome these problems in the related art has resulted incertain schemes. An example of such schemes is found in a JapaneseLaid-open Patent Application No.10-4379 (title of the invention:Advertisement Device, Date of Filing: Jun. 14, 1996). This scheme ishereinafter called a first related-art scheme.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative drawing showing a configuration of the firstrelated-art scheme.

The first related-art scheme includes a center 102A having a host 10Aconnected to a PHS terminal. This scheme further includes transitantennas 101A used for communications between the center 102A and apublic telephone network, and advertisement devices 30A establishingconnection with the public telephone network via the transit antennas101A.

In this hardware configuration, information is delivered from the host10A to the advertisement devices 30A based on telephone numbers of theadvertisement devices 30A, and intervals of the delivery may be, or maynot be, constant. The delivered information is displayed or output asaudio information in an order of receipt of data (i.e., in an order ofreceived records of the delivered data). Once all the deliveredinformation is displayed or output as audio, the same operation isrepeated by going back to the beginning of the data until nextinformation arrives from the host 10A.

The advertisement devices of the first related-art scheme are supposedto be able to provide a diligent advertisement service at a low cost byuse of the PHS terminal 20A and the public telephone network.

These advertisement devices may be installed at convenient stores orsuper markets where POS registers are located. In such locations,advertisement of sales goods, notices from a local community, trafficinformation, a local weather forecast, or the like can be provided in asophisticated manner at a low cost. These features are disclosed in theabove-identified document.

Another example of the schemes directed to overcoming the related-artshortcomings is use of recording media such as magneto-optical memorymedium (e.g., MO disk) and magnetic disks (hard-drive disks). In thisscheme, data is recorded in memory media at the host 10A, and, then, thememory media are delivered to client places where the advertisementdevices 30A are located. The memory media are loaded to reading devicesof the advertisement devices 30A so that the advertisement devices 30Acan read the data delivered in the form of recording media. This schemeis hereinafter referred to as a second related-art scheme.

In the first related-art scheme, the load on the advertisement devices30A is relatively light when a relatively small amount of data such asstill-image information or character information is sent to theadvertisement devices 30A. In such a case, a high performance is not anabsolute requirement for the advertisement devices 30A.

In some cases, however, moving-picture information or high-definitionimages having a large amount of multi-media data in the range of severalhundreds mega-bytes may need to be transmitted from the host 10A to theadvertisement devices 30A when commercials on sales goods, notices froma local community, traffic information, a local weather forecast, or thelike is to be delivered. In such cases, a transmission time for thedelivery of information becomes unduly lengthy, resulting in anexorbitant fee being required for a lengthy use of the communicationnetwork.

In detail, 500-Mbit data, which corresponds to one minute's worth ofMPEG2 video contents comprised of moving pictures and high-definitionimages, may be transmitted from the PHS terminal at a data rate of 32kbs. In this case, even if the advertisement devices run almost at theirfull capacity, it will take at least 4 hours and 20 minutes to completethe data transmission.

In the first related-art scheme, when moving-picture information orhigh-definition images having a large amount of multi-media data in therange of several hundreds mega-bytes is to be transmitted from the host10A to the advertisement devices 30A for the purpose of deliveringcommercials on sales goods, notices from a local community, trafficinformation, a local weather forecast, or the like, the load on theadvertisement devices 30A is quite heavy, resulting in a need for highperformance devices. Also, the communication network is required to havea high data-transfer capacity. Enhancing the speed of the advertisementdevices 30A leads to a cost increase, and use of a high-speedcommunication network means an increase in a communication-line-usagefee. Because of this, it is difficult to adapt the first related-artscheme to multi-media applications which employs moving pictures andhigh-definition images.

In the second related-art scheme, data is recorded in memory media suchas magneto-optical recording media or magnetic disks (hard-drive disks)at the site of the host 10A, and the memory media are delivered toclient places where the advertisement devices 30A are located. Thememory media are loaded to reading devices of the advertisement devices30A so that the advertisement devices 30A can read the data delivered inthe form of recording media. This configuration requires excessive timeand labor, which are spent on recording and reading of the data as wellas delivery of the memory media.

Moreover, the first and second related-art schemes do not provide thehost 10A with a function of remote monitoring to monitor operationconditions of the advertisement devices 30A. This configuration makes itdifficult for the transmission side to check whether the advertisementdevices 30A are actually displaying the delivered data.

In the first and second related-art schemes, the host 10A is notprovided with a function of remote control for controlling operations ofthe advertisement devices 30A. Because of this, it is difficult to checkoperations of the advertisement devices 30A individually with an aim ofproviding diligent delivery control, remote diagnosis, remotemaintenance, etc.

Further, the first and second related-art schemes do not have a functionto control a schedule regarding displaying of delivered data. This makesit difficult to customize the contents of the delivered data inaccordance with such particulars as seasons, date, day, and locationswhere the advertisement devices 30A are installed.

Since the first and second related-art schemes do not provide a functionto control a schedule regarding displaying of delivered data, it isdifficult to give priority to delivered data of an urgent nature such asearthquake information, a railway accident, etc., over other delivereddata.

The present invention is aimed at addressing the shortcomings describedabove.

First, there is a need for a scheme providing alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function which delivers contentsduring a nighttime when a communication fee is relatively inexpensivefor the purpose of avoiding a daytime delivery because such daytimedelivery would lead to an increase in a communication-line-usage fee asit takes a lengthy time to deliver a large amount of contents such asmoving-picture information or high-definition images having a largeamount of multi-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-bytes,which may need to be delivered from the center system to a plurality ofterminal systems with an aim of delivering commercials on sales goods,notices from a local community, traffic information, a local weatherforecast, or the like.

In detail, 500-Mbit data, which corresponds to one minute's worth ofMPEG2 video contents comprised of moving pictures and high-definitionimages, may be transmitted from the PHS terminal at a data rate of 64kbs by use of a public telephone network such as the ISDN. In this case,the light-load-time-remote-casting function of the present invention issupposed to complete the data delivery within only one hour or two.

Second, there is a need for a scheme providing alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function which delivers contentsduring a nighttime when terminal systems are idling, the purpose beingnot to require the terminal systems to have a high-performance capacityand not to require the communication network to have ahigh-speed-data-transfer capacity so as to avoid a cost increaseassociated with enhancement of the terminal systems and to avoid anincrease in a communication-line-usage fee caused by use of ahigh-speed-data-transfer network even when moving-picture information orhigh-definition images having a large amount of multi-media data in therange of several hundreds mega-bytes is delivered from the center systemto a plurality of terminal systems with an aim of delivering commercialson sales goods, notices from a local community, traffic information, alocal weather forecast, or the like.

Third, there is a need for a scheme providing alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function which allows thetransmission side to check whether delivered contents are actuallydisplayed on terminal systems by using a remote monitoring function tomonitor operations of the terminal systems.

Fourth, there is a need for a scheme providing alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function which checks operationsof individual terminal systems with an aim of providing diligentdelivery control, remote diagnosis, and remote maintenance by use of aremote control function to control operations of the terminal systems.

Fifth, there is a need for a scheme providing alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function which customizes thecontents of the delivered data in accordance with such particulars as aseason, a date, a day, and locations where the terminal systems areinstalled by using a function to control a schedule of displaying thecontents.

Sixth, there is a need for a scheme providing alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function which gives priority todelivered data of such an urgent nature as earthquake information, arailway accident, etc., over other delivered data by using a function tocontrol a schedule of displaying the contents.

Seventh, there is a need for a scheme providing alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function which eliminates a needfor time and labor to be spent on recording of contents in memory media,delivery of the memory media, and reading of contents from the memorymedia, all of which would be required when the memory media is recordedat the center system, is delivered to the terminal systems, and is readby the terminal systems so as to deliver contents in the form of memorymedia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to providea scheme which can satisfy the needs described above.

According to the present invention, a system for delivering contentsincludes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality ofterminal systems which receive the contents from the center system anddisplays the contents, and communication lines connecting the centersystem to the plurality of terminal systems, wherein the center systemincludes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule ofdelivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents tothe terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a timeperiod when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predeterminedlevel.

In this manner, the system described above is provided with alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function which delivers contentsduring time period such as a nighttime when terminal systems are idling,the purpose being not to require the terminal systems to have ahigh-performance capacity and not to require the communication networkto have a high-speed-data-transfer capacity so as to avoid a costincrease associated with enhancement of the terminal systems and toavoid an increase in a communication-line-usage fee caused by use of ahigh-speed-data-transfer network even when moving-picture information orhigh-definition images having a large amount of multi-media data in therange of several hundreds mega-bytes is delivered from the center systemto a plurality of terminal systems with an aim of delivering commercialson sales goods, notices from a local community, traffic information, alocal weather forecast, or the like.

Further, the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function can deliverthe contents during a nighttime when a communication fee is relativelyinexpensive for the purpose of avoiding a daytime delivery because suchdaytime delivery would lead to an increase in a communication-line-usagefee as it takes a lengthy time to deliver a large amount of contentssuch as moving-picture information or high-definition images having alarge amount of multi-media data in the range of several hundredsmega-bytes.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the system asdescribed above is such that the center system further includes aterminal-system-control unit which registers and controlsterminal-attribute information about attributes of the terminal systems,wherein the contents-delivery unit selects some of the plurality ofterminal systems based on the terminal-attribute information, anddelivers the contents to the selected terminal systems.

In the system described above, the center system can customize thecontents delivered to particular terminal systems by selectingparticular terminal systems for delivering particular contents.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the system asdescribed above is such that the center system further includes adisplay-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of display, whereinthe contents-delivery unit delivers the contents and the schedule ofdisplay to the terminal systems, the schedule of display defining aschedule according to which the contents are displayed on the terminalsystems. Further, each of the plurality of terminal systems includes areceiving unit which receives the contents and the schedule of displayfrom the center system, a display unit, and a terminal-control unitwhich displays the contents on the display unit according to a schedulespecified in the schedule of display.

The system described above is provided with a remote control function tocontrol operations of the terminal systems. Based on this function, thedisplayed contents can be customized in accordance with a season, adate, a day, and locations where the terminal systems are installed.Further, such a remote control function can give priority to contents ofan urgent nature such as earthquake information, railway-accidentinformation, etc., over other routine contents.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the system asdescribed above is such that each of the plurality of terminal systemsincludes a receiving unit which receives the contents from the centersystem, a first display unit which displays the contents on a screenthereof, a monitor camera which takes a picture of the screen of thefirst display unit, and a still-image-transmission unit which sends thepicture to the center device. Further, the center system includes asecond display unit which displays a plurality of pictures of the screenof the first display unit taken at intervals during a last predeterminedtime period.

The system described above allows the transmission side (i.e., thecenter system) to check whether delivered contents are actuallydisplayed on terminal systems by using a remote monitoring function tomonitor operations of the terminal systems.

Other objects and further features of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A through 1I are illustrative drawings showing a list offunctions provided for a center system of amulti-media-automatic-delivery system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative drawing for explaining the functions of aserver PC;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative drawing showing an embodiment of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative drawing of a first embodiment of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative drawing of the first embodiment of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative drawing of the first embodiment of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative drawing showing a configuration for deliveringadvertisement-contents data in the multi-media-automatic-delivery systemof FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative drawing showing data flows associated withvarious functions of the PC server;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative drawing showing a configuration for deliveringadvertisement-contents data in the multi-media-automatic-delivery systemof FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative drawing showing a display sequence when thesequence is suspended due to a trouble such as a power failure;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative drawing of a second embodiment of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative drawing showing data flows of contents datain the multi-media-automatic-delivery system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative drawing showing data flows associated withvarious functions of a PC server of the multi-media-automatic-deliverysystem of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative drawing showing a display sequence when thesequence is suspended due to a trouble such as a power failure in themulti-media-automatic-delivery system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of thecenter system and a given one of the terminal systems; and

FIG. 16 is an illustrative drawing showing a configuration of arelated-art scheme.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A through 1I are illustrative drawings showing a list offunctions provided for a center system (server personal computer) of amulti-media-automatic-delivery system according to the presentinvention. FIG. 2 is an illustrative drawing for explaining thefunctions of the sender system (server PC). FIG. 3 is an illustrativedrawing showing an embodiment of the multi-media-automatic-deliverysystem according to the present invention.

A multi-media-automatic-delivery system 10 of this embodiment includescommunication lines 11, at least one center system 20, and terminalsystems 30 connected to the center system 20 via the communication lines11. The center system 20 delivers contents data to the terminal systems30 which are located at railway stations, convenience stores, etc., sothat the delivered contents are shown on the display unit 302 of theterminal systems 30. The contents data include still images and videocontents such as moving pictures 10 a, character information 10 e, etc.,and may represent commercial advertisement.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of thecenter system 20 and a given one of the terminal system 30.

In the following, a description will be given with regard to a case inwhich the moving pictures 10 a for commercial advertisement aredelivered. In this embodiment, the moving pictures 10 a for commercialadvertisement are provided in compliance with the MPEG2 scheme, and arehereinafter referred to as moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2data 10 a. Use of the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data10 a in compliance with the MPEG2 scheme makes it possible to displayhigh-definition video images comparable to DVD (digital video disk)images on the display unit 302 of the terminal systems 30.

When such high-definition video images as comparable to those of the DVDsystem are delivered in this embodiment, moving-picture information orhigh-definition images having a large amount of multi-media data in therange of several hundreds mega-bytes is sent from the center system 20to the terminal systems 30 for the purpose of delivering commercials onsales goods, notices from a local community, traffic information, alocal weather forecast, or the like. To this end, a contents-deliveryunit 204 uses terminal-attribute information 10 c to select some of theterminal systems 30 to deliver the contents according to anadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d generated by adelivery-schedule setting unit 203. The contents are delivered by usingan efficient transfer scheme based on data compression during a timeperiod when a communication-line-usage fee is relatively inexpensive.Namely, a daytime delivery of the contents is avoided since it wouldlead to an increase in the communication-line-usage fee for thecommunication lines (ISDN) 11. In this manner, alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with the data amount of moving pictures orhigh-definition video images comparable to those of the DVD system.

In detail, 500-Mbit data comprised of moving pictures andhigh-definition images, which corresponds to one minute's worth of MPEG2video contents when shown on the display unit 302 such as a large-scaleplasma display or an aurora vision, may be transmitted at a data rate of64 kbs by use of the communication (ISDN) lines 11. In this case, thelight-load-time-remote-casting function of the present invention cancomplete the data delivery within only one hour or two.

Further, when such moving-picture information or high-definition imagescomparable to those of the DVD system as having a large amount ofmulti-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-bytes is sentfrom the center system 20 to the terminal systems 30 after thecontents-delivery unit 204 selects the terminal systems 30 based on theterminal-attribute information 10 c to deliver the contents according tothe advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d generated by thedelivery-schedule setting unit 203 for the purpose of deliveringcommercials on sales goods, notices from a local community, trafficinformation, a local weather forecast, or the like, the contents aredelivered by using an efficient transfer scheme based on datacompression during a time period when the terminal systems 30 areidling, the purpose being not to require the terminal systems 30 to havea high-performance capacity and not to require the communication (ISDN)lines 11 to have a high-speed-data-transfer capacity so as to avoid acost increase associated with enhancement of the terminal systems 30 andto avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage fee caused by use ofa high-speed-data-transfer network. In this manner, alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with the data amount of moving pictures orhigh-definition video images comparable to those of the DVD system.

As a result, it is possible to eliminate time and labor that would bespent on recording the contents in recording media such asmagneto-optical memory media or magnetic disks at the site of the centersystem 20. Also, time and labor spent on the delivery of the recordingmedia to the terminal systems 30 are eliminated. Further, there is noneed to spend time and labor on loading the recording media to thereading devices of the terminal systems 30 so as to store the contentsin the terminal systems 30. In this manner, alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented so as toeliminate a need for time and labor to be spent on recording of contentsin memory media, delivery of the memory media, and reading of contentsfrom the memory media.

The center system 20 includes a terminal-system-control unit 201, acontents-control unit 202, the delivery-schedule setting unit 203, thecontents-delivery unit 204, a display-schedule setting unit 205, and acompression-and-coding unit 206. Basically, the center system 20 isimplemented by a server personal computer. As shown in the figures(FIGS. 1A through 1I, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 15), theterminal-system-control unit 201 is equipped with a function to registerand control the terminal-attribute information 10 c regarding theterminal systems 30. The terminal-system-control unit 201 is implementedby a microcomputer provided inside the server PC.

The terminal-system-control unit 201, as shown in the figures, usesadvertisement-display-schedule data 10 b to achieve remote control ofterminal systems 30 with regard to a display schedule thereof when theadvertisement-display-schedule data 10 b is sent to the terminal systems30. When the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b after updatingthereof is sent to the terminal systems 30, it is possible to change adate and time at which the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2data 10 a is displayed on the display unit 302 such as a large-scaleplasma display or an aurora vision. Also, themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a displayed on thedisplay unit 302 can be changed via an emergency remote control functionimplemented in the manner as described above.

In this manner, the center system 20 is provided with a remote-controlfunction to control operations of the terminal systems 30, and can checkoperation conditions of the individual terminal systems 30 so as toprovide diligent delivery control, remote diagnosis, and remotemaintenance. Further, since a function to control theadvertisement-display-schedule data 10 b is provided, alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function can give priority tocontents of an urgent nature such as earthquake information, fireinformation, railway-accident information, etc., over any othercontents. Namely, the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b alone canbe delivered with an update thereof even after the contents were sent,so as to change the date and time of displaying of the contents at theterminal systems 30. This can be achieved economically by using existinginfrastructure, whereas such a change in the date and time of displayingis not possible in the related-art schemes, which are based on eitherdelivery of recording media or one-way delivery of contents.

As shown in the figures, the contents-control unit 202 registers theadvertisement-moving-picture contents, which are to be sent to theterminal systems 30 via the communication lines 11. Further, thecontents-control unit 202 is provided with a function to generateinformation regarding control of the registeredadvertisement-moving-picture contents. This is implemented by themicrocomputer provided inside the server PC. The terminal-system-controlunit 201 exchanges the terminal-attribute information 10 c with thecontents-control unit 202 so as to attend to contents-deliveringprocessing with respect to each of the terminal systems 30 or with eachgroup of the terminal systems 30.

In this manner, a light-load-time-period-delivery-scheduling function isimplemented so as to control the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10d and the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b. Based on this, thecontents-delivery unit 204 uses the terminal-attribute information 10 cto deliver the contents individually to each of the selected terminalsystems 30 by taking into account a season, a date, a day, locations ofthe terminal systems 30, etc. Further, the contents-delivery unit 204can customize the contents with respect to each of the terminal systems30 based on characteristics of the terminal systems 30 as suchcharacteristics are specified in the terminal-attribute information 10c. Such a function is implemented as thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function. Also, collaborationbetween the terminal-system-control unit 201 and the contents-controlunit 202 makes it possible to deliver the contents with respect to theselected terminal systems 30 or with respect to a selected group of theterminal systems 30. All of this makes it possible to implement adelivery-control function which can provide individually tailored anddiligent service to each of the terminal systems 30. As a result, it ispossible to eliminate time and labor that would be spent on recordingthe contents in recording media such as magneto-optical memory media ormagnetic disks at the site of the center system 20. Also, time and laborspent on the delivery of the recording media to the terminal systems 30are eliminated. Further, there is no need to spend time and labor onloading the recording media to the reading devices of the terminalsystems 30 so as to store the contents in the terminal systems 30. Inthis manner, a light-load-time-period-remote-casting function isimplemented so as to eliminate a need for time and labor to be spent onrecording of contents in memory media, delivery of the memory media, andreading of contents from the memory media.

As shown in the figures, the delivery-schedule setting unit 203 lays outa schedule of light-load-time-delivery processing for deliveringcontents to the terminal systems 30 during a light-load time period whenthe load on the terminal systems 30 is lower than a predetermined level.This function is implemented by the microcomputer provided inside theserver PC. Further, the delivery-schedule setting unit 203 refers to theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d that is already specified andthe advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b that is alreadytransmitted, thereby controlling delivery operations for sending theadvertisement-moving-picture contents.

Namely, the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function based on thedelivery-schedule setting unit 203 and the display-schedule setting unit205 allows the contents-delivery unit 204 to use the terminal-attributeinformation 10 c to deliver the contents individually to each of theselected terminal systems 30 by taking into account a season, a date, aday, locations of the terminal systems 30, etc. Further, thecontents-delivery unit 204 can customize the contents with respect toeach of the terminal systems 30 based on characteristics of the terminalsystems 30 as such characteristics are specified in theterminal-attribute information 10 c. Such a function is implemented asthe light-load-time-period-remote-casting function. Further, since afunction to control the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b isprovided, a light-load-time-period-remote-casting function can givepriority to contents of an urgent nature such as earthquake information,fire information, railway-accident information, etc., over any othercontents. As a result, it is possible to eliminate time and labor thatwould be spent on recording the contents in recording media such asmagneto-optical memory media or magnetic disks at the site of the centersystem 20. Also, time and labor spent on the delivery of the recordingmedia to the terminal systems 30 are eliminated. Further, there is noneed to spend time and labor on loading the recording media to thereading devices of the terminal systems 30 so as to store the contentsin the terminal systems 30. In this manner, alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented so as toeliminate a need for time and labor to be spent on recording of contentsin memory media, delivery of the memory media, and reading of contentsfrom the memory media.

The delivery-schedule setting unit 203 is provided with thelight-load-time-delivery-scheduling function, which sets a schedule ofcontents delivery so as to deliver the advertisement-moving-picturecontents to the terminal systems 30 during a light-load time period whenthe load on the terminal systems 30 is lower than a predetermined level,especially during a nighttime when the devices are idling or stopped. Inthis embodiment, public telephone lines are used as the communicationlines 11. In detail, ISDN lines with a 64-kbps data-transfer rate areused (hereinafter, the communication lines 11 may be referred to as theISDN lines 11). Because of this configuration, the terminal-attributeinformation 10 c includes telephone numbers of the terminal systems 30(i.e., telephone numbers of lines connected to DSUs).

When the delivery-schedule setting unit 203 sets theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d for delivering themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a to the terminalsystems 30, the delivery-schedule setting unit 203 checks available timeperiods in the displaying schedules of the terminal systems 30,available time periods in the delivery schedule for delivering themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a to the terminalsystems 30, and a light-load time period of the terminal systems 30.Based on this check, the delivery-schedule setting unit 203 decidesappropriate time periods for delivering contents, and estimates timelengths which would be required for such deliveries. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-delivery-scheduling function is implemented so asto deliver the contents during such a time period as to warrant thelowest fee and a reliable delivery.

The light-load-time-period-delivery-scheduling function as describedabove can bring about the following improvements. When suchmoving-picture information or high-definition images comparable to thoseof the DVD system as having a large amount of multi-media data in therange of several hundreds mega-bytes is sent from the center system 20to the terminal systems 30 after the contents-delivery unit 204 selectsthe terminal systems 30 based on the terminal-attribute information 10 cto deliver the contents according to the advertisement-delivery-scheduledata 10 d and the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b generated atthe center system 20 for the purpose of delivering commercials on salesgoods, notices from a local community, traffic information, a localweather forecast, or the like, the contents are delivered by using anefficient transfer scheme based on data compression during a nighttime,the purpose being to avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage feecaused by use of the ISDN lines 11 during daytime for a long time periodfor delivering a large amount of the data. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with the data amount of moving pictures orhigh-definition video images comparable to those of the DVD system. Indetail, 500-Mbit data comprised of moving pictures and high-definitionimages, which corresponds to one minute's worth of MPEG2 video contentswhen shown on the display unit 302 such as a large-scale plasma displayor an aurora vision, may be transmitted at a data rate of 64 kbs by useof the communication (ISDN) lines 11. In this case, thelight-load-time-remote-casting function of the present invention cancomplete the data delivery within only one hour or two.

Further, when such moving-picture information or high-definition imagescomparable to those of the DVD system as having a large amount ofmulti-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-bytes is sentfrom the center system 20 to the terminal systems 30 after thecontents-delivery unit 204 selects the terminal systems 30 based on theterminal-attribute information 10 c to deliver the contents according tothe advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d and theadvertisement-display-schedule data 10 b generated at the center system20 for the purpose of delivering commercials on sales goods, noticesfrom a local community, traffic information, a local weather forecast,or the like, the contents are delivered by using an efficient transferscheme based on data compression during a light-load time period such asa nighttime when the terminal systems 30 are idling, the purpose beingnot to require the terminal systems 30 to have a high-performancecapacity and not to require the communication lines to have ahigh-speed-data-transfer capacity so as to avoid a cost increaseassociated with enhancement of the terminal systems 30 and to avoid anincrease in a communication-line-usage fee caused by use of ahigh-speed-data-transfer network. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with the data amount of moving pictures orhigh-definition video images comparable to those of the DVD system. Thisremote-delivery function directed to delivery of high-definition movingpictures (i.e., the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function) canbe achieved economically by using existing infrastructure, whereas sucha function cannot be implemented in the related-art schemes which arebased on either delivery of recording media or one-way delivery ofcontents.

As shown in the figures, the contents-delivery unit 204 selects theadvertisement-moving-picture contents based on theadvertisement-contents-conrol information so as to deliver the contentsto the terminal systems 30 during a time period such as a nighttime whenthe device operation is in a halt condition or in an idling condition.To deliver the contents, the contents-delivery unit 204 accesses theterminal systems 30 via the ISDN lines 11 based on theterminal-attribute information 10 c regarding the terminal systems 30(i.e., calls the DSUs of the terminal systems 30), and attends tolight-load-time-period-delivery processing for sending theadvertisement-moving-picture contents to the terminal systems 30 duringa light-load-time period such as a nighttime. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented.

Accordingly, when such moving-picture information or high-definitionimages comparable to those of the DVD system as having a large amount ofmulti-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-bytes is sentfrom the center system 20 to the terminal systems 30 after thecontents-delivery unit 204 selects the terminal systems 30 based on theterminal-attribute information 10 c to deliver the contents according tothe advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d generated by thedelivery-schedule setting unit 203 for the purpose of deliveringcommercials on sales goods, notices from a local community, trafficinformation, a local weather forecast, or the like, the contents aredelivered by using an efficient transfer scheme based on datacompression during a nighttime, the purpose being to avoid an increasein a communication-line-usage fee caused by use of the ISDN lines 11during a daytime for a long time period for delivering a large amount ofthe data. In this manner, the light-load-time-period-remote-castingfunction is implemented at a low cost so as to cope with the data amountof moving pictures or high-definition video images comparable to thoseof the DVD system. In detail, 500-Mbit data comprised of moving picturesand high-definition images, which corresponds to one minute's worth ofMPEG2 video contents when shown on the display unit 302 such as alarge-scale plasma display or an aurora vision, may be transmitted at adata rate of 64 kbs by use of the communication (ISDN) lines 11. In thiscase, the light-load-time-remote-casting function of the presentinvention can complete the data delivery within only one hour or two.

Further, when such moving-picture information or high-definition imagescomparable to those of the DVD system as having a large amount ofmulti-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-bytes is sentfrom the center system 20 to the terminal systems 30 after thecontents-delivery unit 204 selects the terminal systems 30 based on theterminal-attribute information 10 c to deliver the contents according tothe advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d generated by thedelivery-schedule setting unit 203 for the purpose of deliveringcommercials on sales goods, notices from a local community, trafficinformation, a local weather forecast, or the like, the contents aredelivered by using an efficient transfer scheme based on datacompression during a time period such as a nighttime when the terminalsystems 30 are idling, the purpose being not to require the terminalsystems 30 to have a high-performance capacity and not to require thecommunication lines to have a high-speed-data-transfer capacity so as toavoid a cost increase associated with enhancement of the terminalsystems 30 and to avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage feecaused by use of a high-speed-data-transfer network. In this manner, alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with the data amount of moving pictures orhigh-definition video images comparable to those of the DVD system. As aresult, it is possible to eliminate time and labor that would be spenton recording the contents in recording media such as magneto-opticalmemory media or magnetic disks at the site of the center system 20.Also, time and labor spent on the delivery of the recording media to theterminal systems 30 are eliminated. Further, there is no need to spendtime and labor on loading the recording media to the reading devices ofthe terminal systems 30 so as to store the contents in the terminalsystems 30. In this manner, the light-load-time-period-remote-castingfunction is implemented so as to eliminate a need for time and labor tobe spent on recording of contents in memory media, delivery of thememory media, and reading of contents from the memory media. Thisremote-delivery function directed to delivery of high-definition movingpictures (i.e., the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function) canbe achieved economically by using existing infrastructure, whereas sucha function cannot be implemented in the related-art schemes which arebased on either delivery of recording media or one-way delivery ofcontents.

As shown in the figures, the contents-delivery unit 204 selects theadvertisement-moving-picture contents based on theadvertisement-contents-control information so as to deliver the contentsto the terminal systems 30 based on the advertisement-delivery-scheduledata 10 d during the light-load time period. To deliver the contents,the contents-delivery unit 204 accesses the terminal systems 30 via theISDN lines 11 by performing a communication-line establishing processbased on the telephone-number information (i.e., calls the DSUs of theterminal systems 30), and attends to light-load-time-period-deliveryprocessing for sending the advertisement-moving-picture contents to theterminal systems 30 via the ISDN lines 11 during the light-load timeperiod based on the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d regardingthe terminal systems 30. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented. In thisembodiment, this function is performed by the microcomputer of theserver PC.

In this manner, the remote control function is provided for the purposeof controlling operations of the terminal systems 30 from the centersystem 20 when the terminal systems 30 are selected based on thetelephone-number information. Namely, the operation conditions of theterminal systems 30 can be checked individually so as to providediligent delivery control, remote diagnosis, and remote maintenance withrespect to each of the terminal systems 30. Such alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function provides amaintenance-free condition for the terminal systems 30.

Further, a function is provided to control theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d regarding the terminal systems30 selected based on the telephone-number information. Based on this,the contents-delivery unit 204 uses the terminal-attribute information10 c to deliver the contents individually to each of the selectedterminal systems 30 by taking into account a season, a date, a day,locations of the terminal systems 30, etc. Further, thecontents-delivery unit 204 can customize the contents with respect toeach of the terminal systems 30 based on characteristics of the terminalsystems 30 as such characteristics are specified in theterminal-attribute information 10 c. Such a function is implemented asthe light-load-time-period-remote-casting function. As a result, theremote-delivery function directed to delivery of high-definition movingpictures (i.e., the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function) canbe achieved economically by using existing infrastructure, whereas sucha function cannot be implemented in the related-art schemes which arebased on either delivery of recording media or one-way delivery ofcontents.

The terminal-attribute information 10 c of the present embodimentincludes identification numbers of the terminal systems 30. In thiscase, as shown in the figures, when the contents-delivery unit 204selects the advertisement-moving-picture contents based on theadvertisement-contents-control information so as to deliver the contentsto the terminal systems 30 based on the advertisement-delivery-scheduledata 10 d during the light-load time period, the terminal systems 30 areselected based on the identification-number information, and thedelivery of the contents is performed automatically based on theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d. This is performed by thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function. In this manner, theoperation conditions of the terminal systems 30 selected based on theidentification-number information can be controlled from the centersystem 20 via a remote-control function. Based on this function, theoperation conditions of the terminal systems 30 can be checkedindividually so as to provide diligent delivery control, remotediagnosis, and remote maintenance with respect to each of the terminalsystems 30. This is implemented as thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function.

As shown in the figures, the terminal-attribute information 10 c has adata structure which includes a field for specifying places where theterminal systems 30 are installed (e.g., railway stations, convenientstores, department stores, and the like). In this case, when thecontents-delivery unit 204 selects the advertisement-moving-picturecontents based on the advertisement-contents-control information so asto deliver the contents to the terminal systems 30 based on theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d during the light-load timeperiod, the terminal systems 30 are selected based on theinstalled-place information, and the delivery of the contents isperformed automatically based on the advertisement-delivery-scheduledata 10 d. This is performed by thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function. In this manner, theoperation conditions of the terminal systems 30 selected based on theinstalled-place information can be controlled from the center system 20via the remote-control function. Based on this function, the operationconditions of the terminal systems 30 can be checked individually so asto provide diligent delivery control, remote diagnosis, and remotemaintenance with respect to each of the terminal systems 30. This isimplemented as the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function.

The display-schedule setting unit 205, as shown in the figures, isprovided with a function to set a schedule for displaying ofadvertisement-moving-picture contents so as to control the terminalsystems 30 with regard to a displaying operation thereof. In thisembodiment, this function is provided by the microcomputer inside theserver PC. In this case when the contents-delivery unit 204 selects theadvertisement-moving-picture contents based on theadvertisement-contents-control information so as to deliver the contentsto the terminal systems 30 during the light-load time period based onthe advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d, the contents-deliveryunit 204 accesses the terminal systems 30 via the ISDN lines 11 based onthe terminal-attribute information 10 c of the terminal systems 30(i.e., calls the DSUs of the terminal systems 30). Then, thecontents-delivery unit 204 attends to light-load-time-period-deliveryprocessing for sending the advertisement-moving-picture contents and theadvertisement-display-schedule data 10 b to the terminal systems 30during the light-load-time period based on theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d. Further, since the functionto control the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b is provided, alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function can give priority tocontents of an urgent nature such as earthquake information, fireinformation, railway-accident information, etc., over any othercontents. In detail, the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d thatis already set and the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b that isalready transmitted are referred to, so that theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d is updated to includeappropriate contents. For example, when theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d needs to be set in a given oneof the terminal systems 30, a check is made to find available timeperiods in the displaying schedules of the given one of the terminalsystems 30, available time periods in the delivery schedule fordelivering the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a tothe given one of the terminal systems 30, and a light-load time periodof the given one of the terminal systems 30. Based on this check, adecision is made to select appropriate time periods for deliveringcontents, and an estimate is obtained with regard to time lengths whichwould be required for such deliveries. In this manner, the contents aredelivered during such a time period as to warrant the lowest fee and areliable delivery.

The compression-and-coding unit 206, as shown in the figures, isprovided with a function to generate themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a that is compressedand encoded. This unit is implemented by the microcomputer providedinside the server PC. In this case, when the contents-delivery unit 204selects the advertisement-moving-picture contents based on theadvertisement-contents-control information so as to deliver the contentsto the terminal systems 30 based on the advertisement-delivery-scheduledata 10 d during the light-load time period, the terminal systems 30 areselected based on the identification-number information, and thecompressed contents are automatically delivered to the selected terminalsystems 30 based on the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d of theselected terminal systems 30. This is performed by thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function. Thecompressing-and-encoding function of the compression-and-coding unit 206provides the following advantages. Namely, when moving-pictureinformation or high-definition images having a large amount ofmulti-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-bytes is sentfrom the center system 20 to the terminal systems 30 after thecontents-delivery unit 204 selects the terminal systems 30 based on theterminal-attribute information 10 c for the purpose of deliveringcommercials on sales goods, notices from a local community, trafficinformation, a local weather forecast, or the like, the contents aftercompression thereof are delivered during a time period when thecommunication-line-usage fee is relatively inexpensive, the purposebeing to avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage fee caused byuse of the ISDN lines 11 during daytime for a long time period fordelivering a large amount of the data. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with the delivery of multi-media data such as movingpictures or high-definition images. In detail, 500-Mbit data comprisedof moving pictures and high-definition images, which corresponds to oneminute's worth of MPEG2 video contents, may be transmitted at a datarate of 64 kbs by use of the communication (ISDN) lines 11. In thiscase, the light-load-time-remote-casting function of the presentinvention can complete the data delivery within only one hour or two. Asa result, it is possible to eliminate time and labor that would be spenton recording the contents in recording media such as magneto-opticalmemory media or magnetic disks at the site of the center system 20.Also, time and labor spent on the delivery of the recording media to theterminal systems 30 are eliminated. Further, there is no need to spendtime and labor on loading the recording media to the reading devices ofthe terminal systems 30 so as to store the contents in the terminalsystems 30. In this manner, a light-load-time-period-remote-castingfunction is implemented so as to eliminate a need for time and labor tobe spent on recording of contents in memory media, delivery of thememory media, and reading of contents from the memory media.

As described above, the compression-and-coding unit 206 is provided withthe function to generate the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2data 10 a that is compressed and encoded. In this case, when thecontents-delivery unit 204 selects the advertisement-moving-picturecontents based on the advertisement-contents-control information so asto deliver the contents to the terminal systems 30 based on theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d during the light-load timeperiod, the contents-delivery unit 204 accesses the terminal systems 30via the ISDN lines 11 based on the terminal-attribute information 10 cof the terminal systems 30 (i.e., calls the DSUs of the terminal systems30), and attends to automatic light-load-time-period-delivery processingfor sending the advertisement-moving-picture contents and theadvertisement-display-schedule data 10 b to the terminal systems 30during the light-load-time period according to theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d of the terminal systems 30.This is performed by the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function.The compressing-and-encoding function of the compression-and-coding unit206 and the light-load-time-period-delivery-scheduling process based onthe delivery-schedule setting unit 203 provide the following advantages.Namely, when moving-picture information or high-definition images havinga large amount of multi-media data in the range of several hundredsmega-bytes is sent from the center system 20 to the terminal systems 30after the contents-delivery unit 204 selects the terminal systems 30based on the terminal-attribute information 10 c to deliver the contentsaccording to the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d generated bythe delivery-schedule setting unit 203 for the purpose of deliveringcommercials on sales goods, notices from a local community, trafficinformation, a local weather forecast, or the like, the contents aftercompression thereof are delivered during a time period when thecommunication-line-usage fee is relatively inexpensive, the purposebeing to avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage fee caused byuse of the ISDN lines 11 during daytime for a long time period fordelivering a large amount of the data. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with the delivery of multi-media data such as movingpictures or high-definition images. In detail, 500-Mbit data comprisedof moving pictures and high-definition images, which corresponds to oneminute's worth of MPEG2 video contents when displayed on the displayunit 302 such as a large-scale plasma display or the aurora vision, maybe transmitted at a data rate of 64 kbs by use of the communication(ISDN) lines 11. In this case, the light-load-time-remote-castingfunction of the present invention can complete the data delivery withinonly one hour or two. As a result, it is possible to eliminate time andlabor that would be spent on recording the contents in recording mediasuch as magneto-optical memory media or magnetic disks at the site ofthe center system 20. Also, time and labor spent on the delivery of therecording media to the terminal systems 30 are eliminated. Further,there is no need to spend time and labor on loading the recording mediato the reading devices of the terminal systems 30 so as to store thecontents in the terminal systems 30. In this manner, alight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented so as toeliminate a need for time and labor to be spent on recording of contentsin memory media, delivery of the memory media, and reading of contentsfrom the memory media. Namely, the remote-delivery function directed todelivery of high-definition moving pictures (i.e., thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function) can be achievedeconomically by using existing infrastructure, whereas such a functioncannot be implemented in the related-art schemes which are based oneither delivery of recording media or one-way delivery of contents.

The center system 20 further includes a still-image receiving unit 207,a still-image storing unit 208, a still-image decompressing unit 209,and a display unit 210. These units are provided in order to achieve aremote monitoring function to check whether themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a is displayed asexpected on the display unit 302 of the terminal systems 30.

The still-image receiving unit 207 has a function to receivecompressed-still-image data sent from a still-image-transmission unit314 via the communication lines 11. The still-image receiving unit 207is implemented by the microprocessor of the server PC.

The still-image storing unit 208 serves a function to store thecompressed-still-image data received by the still-image receiving unit207, and is implemented through a RAM inside the server PC. Thestill-image decompressing unit 209 is provided with a function to readthe compressed-still-image data from the still-image storing unit 208 atconstant intervals and to decode and decompress the data. This functionis provided by the microcomputer of the server PC. The display unit 210displays the still-image data on a remote-monitoring screen with respectto each of the terminal systems 30, and is implemented by a CRT of theserver PC.

The remote-monitoring function is achieved as follows. When theterminal-control unit sends the still-image data to the display unit 210at constant intervals and the still-image decompressing unit 209 isinstructed to decompress the still-image data, a plurality of stillimages are simultaneously displayed on the remote-monitoring screen soas to include the most recent still image and immediately precedingstill images obtained within a predetermined time period. As a new stillimage is added to the set of displayed images, the oldest still image isremoved from the display since this image was obtained more than apredetermined time period before the newest still image. Such displaycontrol is provided by a multi-window-display function. In this manner,contents of an urgent nature such as earthquake information, fireinformation, railway-accident information, etc., can be given priorityover other contents in terms of an order of display in which contentsare displayed on the display unit 302 such as a large-scale plasmadisplay or an aurora vision. This is achieved as part of thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function. As a result, thefunction of displaying emergency information and the function ofdisplaying advertisement can be accommodated together to serve theirrespective purposes whereas such a coexistence is not possible in therelated-art schemes which are based on either delivery of recordingmedia or one-way delivery of contents.

As shown in the figure, the center system 20 further includes acharacter-information receiving unit 211, an identification unit 212, aterminal-selection unit 213, and a transmission unit 214 in order toimplement a security-control function. As shown in the figures, thecharacter-information receiving unit 211 receives the characterinformation 10 e, identification data 10 f, and selection data from theISDN lines 11. This unit is implemented via the microcomputer of theserver PC, a DSU, and a TA. The identification unit 212 identify theterminal systems 30 and users based on the received identification data10 f, and is implemented via the microcomputer of the server PC. Theterminal-selection unit 213 has a function to select the terminalsystems 30 based on the received selection data so that the characterinformation 10 e is sent to the selected terminal systems 30. This unitis also implemented via the microcomputer of the server PC.

The transmission unit 214 serves a function to transmit the receivedcharacter information 10 e to the selected terminal systems 30 only whenvalid identifications are obtained. The microcomputer of the server PC,the DSU, and the TA together provide the function of this unit. Becauseof all of this, authorized users using authorized terminal systems 30can display the character information 10 e on the display unit 302 suchas a large-scale plasma display or an aurora vision, or can select theterminal systems 30 so as to make the character information 10 edisplayed on the display unit 302 of the selected terminal systems 30.

Since the character information 10 e includes only a limited amount ofdata, transmission of such information via the ISDN lines 11 can becompleted in a short time period, so that use of the characterinformation 10 e is suitable when emergency information requiring arealtime response needs to be displayed. In such a case, specificinformation of an urgent nature can be displayed on a selected set ofterminal systems 30 located in a selected area. Further, thecontents-delivery unit 204 can be provided with a remote-controlfunction to control the operations of the terminal systems 30 selectedbased on the terminal-attribute information 10 c. Moreover, thecontents-delivery unit 204 can be provided with a function to check theoperation conditions of the terminal systems 30 selected based on theterminal-attribute information 10 c and to provide diligent deliverycontrol, remote diagnosis, and remote maintenance.

The identification function as described above can be combined with theemergency-responding function which gives priority to contents of anurgent nature such as earthquake information, fire information,railway-accident information, etc., over any other routine contents.Such a combination can enhance reliability of the information byallowing a check to be made on the identity of the information source.This helps to avoid such a situation in which erroneous emergencyinformation or fake emergency information are distributed, therebyproviding a tight-security delivery function.

The center system 20 further includes a memory unit 215 into which amemory medium is inserted. The center system 20 is provided with amedia-interface function to recordmoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a in the memorymedium of the memory unit 215. The memory unit 215 may be aremovable-disk drive. When themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a is recorded in theremovable memory medium inserted into the memory unit 215, the memorymedium can be used for installing the contents in a terminal system 30when the system is newly installed. This removes a need for transmittingthe contents. Further, the memory unit 215 can be used as a substitutefor a hard drive of the center system 20 when the hard drive suffersmalfunction.

As described above, even when moving-picture information orhigh-definition images having a large amount of multi-media data in therange of several hundreds mega-bytes is sent from the center system 20to the terminal systems 30 for the purpose of delivering commercials onsales goods, notices from a local community, traffic information, alocal weather forecast, or the like, the center system 20 according tothe present embodiment can deliver the contents during a time periodwhen the communication-line-usage fee is relatively inexpensive, thepurpose being to avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage feecaused by use of the communication lines during a daytime for a longtime period for delivering a large amount of the data. In this manner,the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at alow cost so as to cope with the delivery of multi-media data such asmoving pictures or high-definition images. Further, even whenmoving-picture information or high-definition images having a largeamount of multi-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-bytesis sent from the center system 20 to the terminal systems 30 for thepurpose of delivering commercials on sales goods, notices from a localcommunity, traffic information, a local weather forecast, or the like,the contents are delivered during a time period when the terminalsystems 30 are idling, the purpose being not to require the terminalsystems 30 to have a high-performance capacity and not to require thecommunication lines to have a high-speed-data-transfer capacity so as toavoid a cost increase associated with enhancement of the terminalsystems 30 and to avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage feecaused by use of a high-speed-data-transfer network. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with delivery of multi-media data such as movingpictures or high-definition video images. Moreover, based on thefunction to control the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d, thecontents-delivery unit 204 uses the terminal-attribute information 10 cto deliver the contents individually to each of the selected terminalsystems 30 by taking into account a season, a date, a day, locations ofthe terminal systems 30, etc. Further, the contents-delivery unit 204can customize the contents with respect to each of the terminal systems30 based on characteristics of the terminal systems 30 as suchcharacteristics are specified in the terminal-attribute information 10c. Such a function is implemented as thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function. As a result, it ispossible to eliminate time and labor that would be spent on recordingthe contents in recording media such as magneto-optical memory media ormagnetic disks at the site of the center system 20. Also, time and laborspent on the delivery of the recording media to the terminal systems 30are eliminated. Further, there is no need to spend time and labor onloading the recording media to the reading devices of the terminalsystems 30 so as to store the contents in the terminal systems 30. Inthis manner, the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function isimplemented so as to eliminate a need for time and labor to be spent onrecording of contents in memory media, delivery of the memory media, andreading of contents from the memory media. Namely, the remote-deliveryfunction directed to delivery of high-definition moving pictures (i.e.,the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function) can be achievedeconomically by using existing infrastructure, whereas such a functioncannot be implemented in the related-art schemes which are based oneither delivery of recording media or one-way delivery of contents.

The terminal systems 30 are installed at railway stations, convenientstores, and the like, and is equipped with a function to display themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a on the displayunit 302. Each of the terminal systems 30 includes a receiving unit 301,the display unit 302, a terminal-control unit 303, and a decompressionunit 304, and is implemented via a client personal computer (PC). Thereceiving unit 301 serves a function to receive themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a and/or theadvertisement-display-schedule data 10 b sent via the ISDN lines 11.This function is implemented via a microcomputer provided inside theclient PC. The display unit 302 includes a display 3021 for displayingthe moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a which isreceived by the receiving unit 301. In the present embodiment, alarge-scale plasma display, an aurora vision, or the like is used as thedisplay 3021. In the following, the display 3021 is referred to as alarge-scale plasma display 3021. The terminal-control unit 303 controlsan operation for displaying themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a on the displayunit 302 based on the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b. Thisfunction is also implemented via the microcomputer provided inside theclient PC. When the contents-delivery unit 204 is provided with afunction to combine the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data10 a and the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b into a single datastructure for the purpose of delivery thereof, the terminal-control unit303 separates the advertisement-display-schedule data 10 b from themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a.

The decompression unit 304 serves to decode and decompress themoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a that is receivedin an encoded and compressed form. This function is implemented via themicrocomputer provided inside the client PC. The decompression unit 304decodes and decompresses the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2data 10 a when the receiving unit 301 receives the compressedmoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a via the ISDN lines11. In response, the terminal-control unit 303 controls the operationfor displaying the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 aon the large-scale plasma display 3021 according to theadvertisement-display-schedule data 10 b. Because of such adecompression mechanism, it is possible to receive in a compressed formthe moving-picture information or high-definition images having a largeamount of multi-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-byteswhen the contents-delivery unit 204 of the center system 20 needs tosend commercials on sales goods, notices from a local community, trafficinformation, a local weather forecast, or the like. Also, theadvertisement-moving picture contents are delivered during a time periodwhen the communication-line-usage fee is relatively inexpensive,avoiding a daytime during which use of the ISDN lines 11 for a long timeperiod would lead to an increase in the communication-line-usage fee. Inthis manner, a low-cost solution is provided to cope with delivery ofmulti-media data such as moving pictures or high-definition images.Namely, the remote-delivery function directed to delivery ofhigh-definition moving pictures (i.e., thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function) can be achievedeconomically by using existing infrastructure, whereas such a functioncannot be implemented in the related-art schemes which are based oneither delivery of recording media or one-way delivery of contents.

Each of the terminal systems 30 further includes aremote-monitoring-purpose monitor camera 305, astill-image-compression/encoding unit 306, a still-image storing unit307, a selection-data transmission unit 311, and astill-image-transmission unit 314. These units are provided for thepurpose of implementing a remote-monitoring function which is used formonitoring whether the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data10 a sent from the center system 20 is displayed as expected on thelarge-scale plasma display 3021. The remote-monitoring-purpose monitorcamera 305 takes a picture of what is displayed on the large-scaleplasma display 3021, thereby generating still-image data. Theremote-monitoring-purpose monitor camera 305 may be implemented by a CCDcamera connected to the client PC. The still-image-compression/encodingunit 306 applies a compression/encoding process to the still-image datato generate compressed-still-image data. This unit is implemented viathe microcomputer of the client PC. The still-image storing unit 307stores the compressed-still-image data, and a RAM inside the client PCis used for this purpose. The still-image-transmission unit 314 serves afunction to send the compressed-still-image data stored in thestill-image storing unit 307 to the center system 20. This function isimplemented via the microcomputer of the client PC, a DSU, and a TA. Inthis manner, the remote-monitoring function is implemented so as toallow the center system 20 to monitor the operation conditions of theterminal systems 30 which are selected by the contents-delivery unit 204based on the terminal-attribute information 10 c. Namely, a check can bemade as to whether the delivered contents are displayed as expected onthe large-scale plasma display 3021 of the terminal systems 30 which areselected by the contents-delivery unit 204 based on theterminal-attribute information 10 c. This is implemented as part of thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function. In this manner, it ispossible to check what is shown on the large-scale plasma display 3021by sampling pictures at constant intervals to provide a set of stillpictures obtained during a predetermined time period prior to a presentmoment. There is no need to check the remote-monitoring monitor of thecenter system 20 all the time in order to see if the contents aredisplayed as expected on the large-scale plasma display 3021 of theterminal systems 30. Further, transmission of the compressed-still-imagedata can achieve more economic use of the ISDN lines 11 compared totransmission of moving pictures for the remote-monitoring purpose. Thesefunctions are economically achieved by using existing infrastructure,whereas such functions cannot be implemented in the related-art schemeswhich are based on either delivery of recording media or one-waydelivery of contents.

The terminal systems 30 and the center system 20 can implement asuperimposing function to display both the character information 10 eand the moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a on thelarge-scale plasma display 3021. To this end, each of the terminalsystems 30 further includes a character-information-transmission unit308, a identification-transmission unit 309, and a terminal-systemselecting unit 310. As shown in the figures, thecharacter-information-transmission unit 308 serves to generate andtransmit the character information 10 e, and is implemented by themicrocomputer of the client PC, the DSU, and the TA. As shown in thefigures, the identification-transmission unit 309 serves a function totransmit the identification data 10 f of the terminal and theidentification data 10 f of the user, and the microprocessor of theclient PC, the DSU, and the TA are used for this purpose. Theterminal-system selecting unit 310 as shown in the figures is providedwith a function to generate selection data for selecting the terminalsystems 30 with an aim of having the character information 10 edisplayed on the large-scale plasma display 3021 of the selectedterminal systems 30. This function is implemented by the microprocessorof the client PC. The selection-data transmission unit 311 serves totransmit the selection data, and is implemented by the microprocessor ofthe client PC, the DSU, and the TA. In this manner, authorized usersusing authorized terminal systems 30 can make the character information10 e displayed on the large-scale plasma display 3021, or can select theterminal systems 30 for making the selected terminal systems 30 displaythe character information 10 e on the display unit 302 thereof.

Since the character information 10 e includes only a limited amount ofdata, transmission of such information via the ISDN lines 11 can becompleted in a short time period, so that use of the characterinformation 10 e is suitable when emergency information requiring arealtime response needs to be displayed. In such a case, specificinformation of an urgent nature can be displayed on a selected set ofterminal systems 30 located in a selected area. Further, thecontents-delivery unit 204 can be provided with the remote-controlfunction to control the operations of the terminal systems 30 selectedbased on the terminal-attribute information 10 c. Moreover, thecontents-delivery unit 204 can be provided with the function to checkthe operation conditions of the terminal systems 30 selected based onthe terminal-attribute information 10 c and to provide diligent deliverycontrol, remote diagnosis, and remote maintenance. The identificationfunction for identifying users can be combined with theemergency-responding function which gives priority to contents of anurgent nature such as earthquake information, fire information,railway-accident information, etc., over other routine contents. Such acombination can enhance reliability of the information by allowing acheck to be made on the identity of the information source. This helpsto avoid such a situation in which erroneous emergency information orfake emergency information are distributed, thereby providing atight-security delivery function.

Each of the terminal system 30 further includes a memory unit 312 intowhich a memory medium is inserted. Each of the terminal systems 30 isprovided with a media-interface function to readmoving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a from the memorymedium of the memory unit 312. The memory unit 312 may be aremovable-disk drive. When the removable memory medium recording thereinthe moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a is provided,the memory medium can be used for installing the contents in a terminalsystem 30 when the system is newly installed. This removes a need fortransmitting the contents via the communication lines. Further, thememory unit 312 can be used as a substitute for a hard drive of theterminal systems 30 when the hard drive suffers malfunction.

As described above, even when moving-picture information orhigh-definition images having a large amount of multi-media data in therange of several hundreds mega-bytes is sent from the center system 20to the terminal systems 30 selected by the contents-delivery unit 204based on the terminal-attribute information 10 c for the purpose ofdelivering commercials on sales goods, notices from a local community,traffic information, a local weather forecast, or the like, the terminalsystems 30 according to the present embodiment can receive the contentsduring a time period when the communication-line-usage fee is relativelyinexpensive, the purpose being to avoid an increase in acommunication-line-usage fee caused by use of the communication linesduring a daytime for a long time period for delivering a large amount ofthe data. In this manner, a low-cost solution is provided to cope withthe delivery of multi-media data such as moving pictures orhigh-definition images. Once the center system 20 determines and sends adisplay schedule, there is no need for center system 20 to control thedisplay sequence of the terminal systems 30 at every turn. This resultsin the load on the center system 20 regarding display control beingreduced, so that a single center system can attend to control a largenumber of terminal systems 30.

In the following, detailed specifications of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system 10 as described above will bedescribed according to the present embodiment.

[1] Features of Multi-Media-Automatic-Delivery System 10

Features of the multi-media-automatic-delivery system 10 will bedescribed in the following (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

1. High-Image Quality and Low Cost

Contents data is video images comparable to those of the DVD system. The6-Mbps-advertisement-contents data 10 a in compliance with the MPEG2scheme can be used.

Straightforward transmission of the contents would require communicationlines having a large capacity with respect to each of the terminalsystems 30. In consideration of this, file transfer is used for thetransmission of the contents.

Without adhering to a realtime display operation, contents are deliveredduring a nighttime when displaying thereof is not necessary.Schedule-control software is used to achieve customized contents displayfor each of the terminal systems 30.

2. Remote-Monitoring Function

Each of the terminal systems 30 is equipped with a small camera(remote-monitoring-purpose monitor camera 305). The display is monitoredat all times, and a still image of the display is transmitted to thecenter system 20 once in several minutes to several tens of minutes.

The center system 20 displays a thumbnail of the still pictures withrespect to each terminal system or with respect to each group ofterminal systems, thereby providing a monitoring function.

3. Registration of Contents Transmission and Individual Control of theDisplay-Schedule Data 10 b for Each of Terminal Systems 30

A check can be made as to what time period is available for a giventerminal system 30, and a setting of a display schedule can be made withrespect to each moving-picture-advertisement-contents-MPEG2 data 10 a.

[3] Usage of the System

a. Places of Installation of Terminal Systems 30 (Specified in theTerminal-Attribute Information 10 c): Railway Stations, UndergroundMalls, Convenient Stores, Gasoline Stations, Etc.

In what follows, a first embodiment of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system 10 will be described.

First Embodiment

[4] Center System 20 (Server PC) (see FIGS. 1 and 6)

[4-1] Outline (see FIGS. 1 and 6)

This embodiment is applied to the server system of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system 10 directed to delivery ofcontents via a network.

[4-1-1] Outline of Functions of the Multi-Media-Automatic-DeliverySystem 10

(4-1-1-1) Delivery of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a to TerminalSystems 30 via Communication Lines 11 and Automatic Display Function ofTerminal Systems 30

The advertisement-contents data 10 a is transmitted from the server PC20 via ISDN lines (64 or 128 Kbps) by taking several times to severaltens of times as long as a display time.

The terminal systems 30 accumulate the advertisement-contents data 10 a,and display it according to a specified schedule.

(4-1-1-2) Function to Display Character Information 10 e at Time ofEmergency

The character information 10 e is delivered and displayed on theterminal systems 30 so as to present information of an urgent nature atthe time of emergency such as earthquake as well as to present routineinformation such as a weather forecast.

[4-1-2] Communication Line 11: ISDN Lines 11 (64 Kbit/Sec or 128Kbit/Sec)

[4-1-3] Displayed Contents: Moving Pictures, Still Images, and aCombination Thereof (Contents Data 10 a)

[4-1-4] Types of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

[4-1-4-1] Moving Pictures

a. MPEG2 data in the range of 6 Mbps is used.

b. It takes one to three minutes to display one set of theadvertisement-contents data 10 a.

c. The number of contents stored in one terminal system 30 is limited to20 to 50.

[4-1-4-2] Still Images

a. JPEG data with a resolution equivalent to a VGA level

b. No limit to a time period during which the images are displayed(i.e., the images may be displayed for only a short period of time orfor 24 hours)

[4-1-5] Character Message 10 e at Time of Emergency

[4-1-5-1] 5 to 30 characters per message

[4-1-5-2] There are two cases, i.e., the first case in which thecharacter information 10 e is superimposed on the advertisement-contentsdata 10 a and the second case in which the display of theadvertisement-contents data 10 a is suspended so as to present thecharacter information 10 e over the entire screen of the large-scaleplasma display 3021.[4-1-5-3] The character information 10 e requires realtime handlingthereof to a certain extent (i.e., needs to be displayed a few secondsto a few minutes after the delivery thereof).[4-1-6] Features of Multi-Media-Automatic-Delivery System 10[4-1-6-1] The terminal systems 30 is provided with a function to displaycontents according to a specified schedule.[4-1-6-2] Operation costs are low. Since the moving-picture-contentsdata 10 a can be transmitted by taking time during a light-load timeperiod such as a nighttime, there is no need to use communication lines11 that offer a high-speed and large capacity at a high cost.[4-1-7] Others[4-2] Classification of Functions of Server PC (see FIG. 1)

Function to register the advertisement-contents data 10 a(enter/delete/change)

Function to search for and display the advertisement-contents data 10 a

[4-2-2] Contents-Control Function

Function to register the terminal-attribute information 10 c(enter/delete/change)

Function to search for and display the terminal-attribute information 10c

[4-2-3] Terminal-System-Control Function

Function to switch on/off the display unit

Function to establish connection with the terminal systems 30.

[4-2-4] Display-Schedule-Control Function

Function to make settings (input/delete/change)

Function to make a search and display

[4-2-5] Function to Control Advertisement-Delivery-Schedule Data 10 d

Function to make settings (input/delete/change)

Function to make a search and display

[4-2-6] Data-Delivery Function

Function to deliver the advertisement-contents data 10 a

[4-2-7] Maintenance Function of Multi-Media-Automatic-Delivery System 10

Maintenance of server PC 20

Maintenance of terminal systems 30 regarding a display function thereof.

Maintenance of terminal systems 30 regarding a function to delivercharacter information 10 e

[4-2-8] Security-Control Function

Function to prevent unauthorized users from entering or tampering withthe system

[4-2-9] Function to Control Delivery of Emergency Character Information10 e

Identification Function

Function to Deliver the Character information 10 e

In the following, each function will be further described in detail (seeFIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

1. Server PC 20

1-1. Contents-Control Function (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

1-1-0. Outline

The contents-control function controls the advertisement-contents data10 a and corresponding attached information such as client names.

1-1-1. Registration of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a and AttachedInformation

1. Registration

Contents themselves and the advertisement-contents data 10 a areregistered. The advertisement-contents data 10 a includes the following.

(1) Contents name

(2) Date of registration in the server PC 20

(3) Client name (Advertisement agent/client)

(4) Location of display (an item of the terminal-attribute information10 c)

(5) Data type (moving picture, still image)

Client name includes a client name and an advertisement-agent name.

As locations of display, more than one entries such as an area name, arailway station name, etc., are made.

2. Registered Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a Can Be Edited andDeleted.

1-1-2. Search/Display of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

1. A search is conducted based on a specified client name, aterminal-system name (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10c), or a contents name, and search results are displayed.

A search is conducted based on a specified client name, aterminal-system name (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10c), or a contents name, and the advertisement-contents data 10 aobtained as a result of the search is displayed.

1-2. Function to Control Terminal System (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

1-2-0. Outline

1. Information necessary for controlling the terminal systems 30 isregistered and controlled.

1-2-1. Function to Register Terminal-Attribute Information 10 c

1. The terminal-attribute information 10 c is registered. Theterminal-attribute information 10 c includes the following items.

(1) Terminal-system name (identification number of the terminal system30)

(2) Telephone number

(3) Location of Display

(4) Advertisement-contents data 10 a (see 1-1-1, 1.)

(5) Display schedule of the advertisement-contents data 10 a (see 1-4-1)

(6) Advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d of theadvertisement-contents data 10 a (see 1-5-1)

2. Registered terminal-attribute information 10 c can be edited anddeleted.

1-2-2. Function to Retrieve and Display Terminal-Attribute Information10 c

The terminal-attribute information 10 c is retrieved based on aspecified terminal-system name (an item of the terminal-attributeinformation 10 c), and is displayed upon retrieval.

1-3. Remote Control Function to Control Terminal System 30 (see FIGS. 6,7, and 8)

1-3-0. Outline

1. A function to specify a time to switch on/off the display device(large-scale plasma display 3021) is provided.

2. A function to automatically establish connection with the terminalsystems 30 is provided.

1-3-1. Function to Control Switching On/Off of Terminal Systems 30

1. A setting is made with regard to when the plasma display 3021 of agiven terminal system 30 is switched on and switched off.

(1) The setting is made with respect to each terminal system 30.

(2) The setting can be made on the spot by an operator operating theserver PC 20.

1-3-2. Function to Connect to Terminal Systems 30

1. In order to establish connection with terminal systems 30,

(1) telephone numbers (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10c) of the terminal systems 30 are specified; or

(2) the terminal systems 30 are specified.

Establishment of connection at the time of automatic delivery of theadvertisement-contents data 10 a is automatically performed based onwhat is specified in the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d.

1-4. Function to Set/Control Display-Schedule Data 10 b (see FIGS. 6, 7,and 8)

1-4-0. Outline

1. A display schedule is specified with regard to which terminal systems30 display the advertisement-contents data 10 a and what time thecontents are displayed.

1-4-1. Function to Set Display-Schedule Data 10 b

1. The display-schedule data 10 b regarding the advertisement-contentsdata 10 a is laid out in preparation for subsequent transmission to theterminal systems 30.

The settings can be changed/deleted.

2. The display-schedule data 10 b includes an identification number of aterminal system 30 (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10 c),a contents name, a date and time for replay, and a number of replays.

3. It is possible to change/delete the display-schedule data 10 b thathas been already transmitted.

1-4-2. Function to Retrieve/Display Display-Schedule Data 10 b

1. A search for a display schedule is made by specifying at least aclient name, a terminal-system name, a contents name, or a date ofreplay, and search results are displayed.

1-5. Function to Set/Control Advertisement-Delivery-Schedule Data 10 d(see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

1-5-0. Outline

A schedule for delivering the advertisement-contents data 10 a from theserver PC 20 to a given terminal system 30 is set as theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d. Theadvertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d specifies a date and time atwhich the advertisement-contents data 10 a is automatically transmittedfrom the server PC 20 to the given terminal system 30.

In general, the delivery is made during a time period when theadvertisement-contents data 10 a is not being displayed.

1-5-1. Function to Register Advertisement-Delivery-Schedule Data 10 d

1. The advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d is set. The settingscan be changed/deleted.

2. The advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d includes a name of adestination terminal system (an item of the terminal-attributeinformation 10 c), a name of the delivered contents, a client name, anda date and time of delivery.

1-5-2. Function to Retrieve/Display Advertisement-Delivery-Schedule Data10 d

1. A search for a delivery schedule is made by specifying at least aclient name, a terminal-system name, a contents name, or a date ofreplay, and search results are displayed.

1-5-3. Function to Calculate a Time of Delivery

1. Function to Calculate/Display a Time of Delivery

(1) A time of delivery (a start time, an end time, a total time period)can be calculated with respect to the advertisement-delivery-scheduledata 10 d for each terminal system 30, and can be displayed.

(2) A time of delivery can be calculated in advance with respect to eachadvertisement-contents data 10 a, and can be displayed.

1-6. Function to Deliver Data (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

1-6-1. Function to Deliver Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

1. The display-schedule data 10 b and the advertisement-contents data 10a are sent to specified terminal systems 30 according to the deliveryschedule set forth in advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d.

2. Data delivery to the terminal systems 30 includes automatic deliverybased on the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d and manualdelivery based on user operations at the server PC.

1-7. Maintenance/Control Function (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

1-7-0. Outline

This function attends to tasks relating to recording of a log for thepurpose of maintenance/control of the multi-media-automatic-deliverysystem 10. Items for checking operations of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system 10 are displayed as they becomenecessary. Warnings are given as necessary.1-7-1. Maintenance Function of Server PC 201. Function to Make Backup Copy

A backup copy of necessary data is created at constant intervals or at atime specified via user operation. Such a backup copy includes a copy ofregistered data.

2. Operations of the server PC 20 are tested, and test results aredisplayed as messages. A warning is given when an error is found.

3. Information necessary for maintenance purpose may be displayed andprinted out.

Such information include the following.

(1) Name of contents

(2) Type of contents

(3) Time of event

(4) Date and time of recovery from an error

(5) Contents of event

(6) Terminal-attribute information 10 c

1-7-2. Maintenance Function for Terminal Systems 30 serving as Display

1. Function to Record Log Information

A function to receive and record a log of the terminal systems 30 isprovided.

1-7-3. Maintenance Function for Terminal Systems 30 serving to transmitCharacter Information 10 e

1. Information regarding transmission of the character information 10 eis recorded/displayed. Such information includes the following.

(1) Character information 10 e

(2) Date and time of exchange of information

(3) Identification number of a source terminal system 30 (an item of theterminal-attribute information 10 c)

(4) Identification number of a sender obtained from the source terminalsystem 30

1-8. Security Function (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

1-8-0. Outline

1. A function for protecting data from unauthorized access from withinor outside the system is provided.

1-8-1. Security Function and Access Authorization to access Server PC 20

1. A function is provided to prevent unauthorized users from accessingor tampering with the server PC.

1-9. Function to Transmit Emergency Character Information 10 e (seeFIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

1-9-0. Outline

Character information 10 e that is displayed in an emergency istransmitted from a transmission-purpose-dedicated terminal system 30 todisplay-purpose terminal systems 30 via the server PC 20.

The terminal systems 30 displays the character information 10 e onlywhen the server PC 20 can identify the source terminal system 30 and theoperator thereof as a valid system and user.

1-9-1. Identification Function and Transmission Function

1. Identification is required when a dedicated terminal system 30 issuesa request for transmission.

If identification is valid, the character information 10 e is forwardedto the terminal systems 30. If identification is invalid, transmissionis not forwarded.

An appropriate identification system is selected based on theconsideration of its costs and performances.

2. Encoding System (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8)

2-1. Function to Create Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

The advertisement-contents data 10 a is created by using a separatelyprovided system.

1. Encoding of Image Data

(1) A required encoding system is used for encoding MPEG2 data.

(2) An encoding process is performed based on encoding parametersspecified for MPEG2 and JPEG.

3. Operation of Server PC 20 (see FIG. 2)

1. Function to Deliver Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

(1) The advertisement-contents data 10 a created by a vendor is storedin memory media of the center system 20.

(2) The operator enters the advertisement-contents data 10 a, a displayschedule, the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d, and theterminal-attribute information 10 c via the display.

(3) The advertisement-contents data 10 a and the display-schedule data10 b are automatically transmitted to the terminal systems 30 inaccordance with the advertisement-delivery-schedule data 10 d.

[5] Terminal System 30 (Client PC) (see FIGS. 6, 7, 9, and 10)

In the following, a first embodiment of the terminal systems 30 will bedescribed.

[5-1] Outline

A terminal system 30 according to the first embodiment is used as eithera display-purpose terminal system 30 or acharacter-information-transmission-purpose terminal system 30 in themulti-media-automatic-delivery system 10, which has the followingfunctional features.[5-1-1] Outline of Functions of Multi-Media-Automatic-Delivery System 10(1) Delivery of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a to Terminal Systems 30via Communication Lines 11 and Automatic Display Function of TerminalSystems 30

The advertisement-contents data 10 a is transmitted from the server PC20 via ISDN lines (64 or 128 Kbps) by taking several times to severaltens of times as long as a display time.

The terminal systems 30 accumulate the advertisement-contents data 10 a,and display it according to a specified schedule.

(2) Function to Display Character Information 10 e at Time of Emergency

The character information 10 e is delivered and displayed on theterminal systems 30 so as to present information of an urgent nature atthe time of an emergency such as earthquake.

[5-1-2] Communication Line 11: ISDN Lines 11 (64 Kbit/Sec or 128Kbit/Sec)

[5-1-3] Displayed Contents: moving pictures, still images, and acombination thereof

[5-1-4] Types of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

(1) Moving Pictures

a. MPEG2 data in the range of 6 Mbps is used.

b. It takes one to three minutes to display one set of theadvertisement-contents data 10 a.

c. The number of contents stored in one terminal system 30 is limited to20 to 50.

(2) Still Images

a. JPEG data with a resolution equivalent to a VGA level

b. No limit to a time period during which the images are displayed(i.e., the images may be displayed for only a short period of time orfor 24 hours)

[5-1-5] Character Message 10 e at Time of Emergency

(1) 5 to 30 characters per message

(2) There are two cases, i.e., the first case in which the characterinformation 10 e is superimposed on the advertisement-contents data 10 aand the second case in which the display of the advertisement-contentsdata 10 a is suspended so as to present the character information 10 eover the entire screen of the large-scale plasma display 3021.(3) The character information 10 e requires realtime handling thereof toa certain extent (i.e., needs to be displayed a few seconds to a fewminutes aver the delivery thereof).[5-1-6] Features of Multi-Media-Automatic-Delivery System 10(1) The terminal systems 30 is provided with a function to displaycontents according to a specified schedule.(2) Operation costs are low. Since the moving-picture-contents data 10 acan be transmitted by taking time during a light-load time period suchas a nighttime, there is no need to use communication lines 11 thatoffer a high-speed data transfer and a large capacity at a high cost.

In the following, each function will be further described in detail (seeFIGS. 6, 7, 9, and 10)

1. Display-Purpose Terminal Systems 30

1-1. Displaying of Contents

1-1-0. Basic Function

The moving-picture-contents data 10 a and the display-schedule data 10 bare received from the server PC 20, and the moving-picture-contents data10 a is displayed according to a schedule specified in thedisplay-schedule data 10 b.

0.1-1-1. Function to Receive/Display Data

1. A function is provided to receive and store themoving-picture-contents data 10 a and the display-schedule data 10 b.

Data sent from the server PC 20 is received and stored.

2. The moving-picture-contents data 10 a is displayed.

According to the received display schedule, the moving-picture-contentsdata 10 a is displayed.

3. A mechanism is put in place to cope with a change in thedisplay-schedule data 10 b and the moving-picture-contents data 10 awhen the server PC 20 issues a request for a change.

1-1-2. Function to Delete Data

1. The display-schedule data 10 b whose schedule has been worked throughis deleted along with the moving-picture-contents data 10 a.

1-2. Function to Display Emergency Character Information 10 e

1-2-0. Basic Function

The character information 10 e and the display-schedule data 10 b arereceived in an emergency from a dedicated terminal system 30 via theserver PC 20, and the character information 10 e is displayed accordingto a schedule specified in the display-schedule data 10 b.

1-2-1. Function to Receive/Display Data

1. Function to Receive/Store Data Sent from Server PC 20

Data sent from the server PC 20 is received and stored.

2. Display of the Moving-Picture-Contents Data 10 a

According to the received display schedule, the character information 10e is displayed.

1-2-2. How to Display Character Information 10 e

1. A change can be made to the way of presenting the characterinformation 10 e based on an instruction from the dedicated terminalsystem 30.

There are two ways of presentation.

(1) The character information 10 e is displayed as superimposition onthe currently displayed images.

There is no change to the display-schedule data 10 b of themoving-picture-contents data 10 a.

(2) Only the character information 10 e is displayed.

If the moving-picture-contents data 10 a is being displayed, displayedcontents are erased from the screen for presenting the characterinformation 10 e. The canceled contents are not to be presentedretroactively after the end of display of the character information 10e.

1-3. Maintenance/Control Function of Terminal System 30

1-3-0. Basic Function

1. The terminal-attribute information 10 c is controlled.

2. A log of the terminal system 30 is recorded for themaintenance/control purposes, and is sent to the server PC 20.

A transmission is made in response to a transmission request from theserver PC 20.

Operator operating the terminal system 30 can access the data that isused for the maintenance/control purposes.

1-3-1. Function to Control Terminal System 30

1. Function to Register Terminal System 30

The following items are registered through operator operations on theterminal system 30 or through instructions from the sever PC 20.

In addition to registration, a means is provided to add, change, anddelete the registered items.

(1) Identification number of the terminal system 30 (an item of theterminal-attribute information 10 c)

(2) Telephone number (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10c)

(3) Installed location (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10c)

(4) Type of display device (i.e., a plasma display 3021, a postervision, etc.)

(5) Identification number(s) of the other terminal system(s) 30 when atwin or triple configuration is used (an item of the terminal-attributeinformation 10 c)

The identification numbers are uniquely assigned. The contents of theregistered items need to maintain consistency between the server PC 20and the terminal system 30.

1-3-2. Function to Store Log Information and Send Same to Server PC 20

1. Timing to Transmit Log Information

Log information is recorded regarding all events occurred duringoperation. Record are such that access can be made to learn about agiven event and to find a time of the event, a terminal system 30suffering the event, the contents, and the client.

(1) Error of a terminal system 30

(2) Display status of the character information 10 e

In addition to the above, the log is recorded in every manner that keepsa thorough record necessary for maintenance/control of the terminalsystem 30, and appropriate measures need to be taken.

1-4. Security Function

1-4-0. Basic Function

1. A means is provided to insure security against intruders.

Each of the terminal systems 30 is provided with an access authorizationto access the server PC.

1-4-1. Security Function and Access Authorization to Access Server PC 20

1. Security Against Intrusion and Tampering

This function is provided to prevent unauthorized users from entering ortampering with the terminal systems 30 through the network.

An appropriate security measure is taken based on the consideration ofcosts (development/operation costs).

2. An access authorization is registered in the terminal systems 30 withrespect to operators of the terminal systems 30.

3. Access Authorization to Access Server PC 20

A terminal system 30 without no access authorization cannot access theserver PC 20.

A mechanism is put in place to allow the server PC 20 to distinguishauthorized terminal systems 30 from unauthorized terminal systems 30.

1-5. Other Functions

1-5-0. Basic Function

1. The display device (plasma display 3021) is switched on/off accordingto a schedule transmitted from the server PC 20.

1-5-1. Function to Switch On/Off Terminal System 30

1. The display device (plasma display 3021) is controlled with respectto switching on/off thereof according to the schedule set by the serverPC 20 or according to instructions given manually at the server PC 20.

2. Function to Create/Transmit Character Information 10 e

2-1. Transmission of the Character Information 10 e

2-1-0. Basic Functions

1. In emergency, the character information 10 e is sent to the terminalsystems 30 via the server PC 20. In doing so, access authorizations of asource terminal system 30 and an operator thereof are checked.

The server PC 20 forwards the character information 10 e to the terminalsystems 30 only when access authorizations are recognized.

2-1-1. Function to Create Character Information 10 e

1. The character information 10 e includes one created on the spot viamanual entry and one selected from a data set provided in advance.

2. The character information 10 e can be registered/edited/deleted.

The data set provided in advance includes data generated by a separatesystem.

2-1-2. Function to Create/Display Display-Schedule data 10 b

1. Function to Create the Display-Schedule Data 10 b

The display-schedule data 10 b includes a display-start time, adisplay-end time, and an identification number of a terminal system 30(an item of the terminal-attribute information 10 c).

The schedule can be registered, edited, and deleted.

2. Function to Set the Way of Displaying on Monitor

(1) A switch can be made between full-screen display and superimpositiondisplay.

2-1-3. Function to Transmit Data

1. A display-purpose terminal system 30 sends to the server PC 20necessary data for displaying the character information 10 e. Such dataincludes the character information 10 e, a display schedule,display-control information, and identification data.

2-2. Security Function

2-2-0. Basic Function

A function is provided to insure security against an intruder fromoutside or tampering from inside. Security can also be controlled attransmission sites.

2-2-1. Security Function and Access Authorization to Access Server PC 20

1. Security Against Intrusion and Tampering

This function is provided to prevent unauthorized users from entering ortampering with the terminal systems 30 through the network.

An appropriate security measure is taken based on the consideration ofcosts (development/operation costs).

2. An access authorization is registered in the terminal systems 30 withrespect to operators of the terminal systems 30.

3. Access Authorization to Access Server PC 20

A terminal system 30 and an operator thereof without no accessauthorization cannot access the server PC 20 (a mechanism is put inplace to allow the server PC 20 to distinguish authorized terminalsystems 30 from unauthorized terminal systems 30).

3. Structure of Transmission Data

3-1. Data Type

3-1-0. Basic Functions

Specifications regarding data formats of all data types includingattached information and specifications of interface with the server PC20 are created.

3-1-1. Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

1. Moving picture (MPEG2), still images (JPEG)

2. Each piece of contents has an identification number.

3. A contents name, a client name, a registration date, a set of targetterminal systems 30, and data types are included as attachedinformation.

3-1-2. Display-Schedule Data 10 b of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

1. A date and time of a start, a date and time of an end, and a numberof repetitions may be included in the data structure to insure smoothdisplay of contents in a specified order.

Second Embodiment

In what follows, a second embodiment of themulti-media-automatic-delivery system 10 will be described (see FIGS.11, 12, 13, and 14).

The center system (server PC) 20 has the same configuration as that ofthe first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Adescription will be given with regard to the terminal systems 30.

[6] Terminal System 30 (Client PC)

[6-1] Outline

A system according to this embodiment is used as a network-deliverydisplay system having the following features (1) and (2) among otherfeatures.

(1) Delivery of Multi-Media Data to Terminal Systems 30 ViaCommunication Lines 11 and Automatic Display Function of TerminalSystems 30

The multi-media data is transmitted from the server PC 20 via ISDN lines(64 or 128 Kbps) by taking several times to several tens of times aslong as a display time.

The terminal systems 30 accumulate the moving-picture-contents data 10a, and display it according to a specified schedule.

(2) Function to Display Character Information 10 e at Time of Emergency

The character information 10 e is displayed in an emergency such asearthquake.

[6-1-2] Places of Installation of Display Terminal Systems 30 and Numberof Installed Systems

Systems are installed no only indoors but also outdoors. The number ofinstalled systems may be about either 10 or 100.

[6-1-3] Communication Line 11: ISDN lines 11 (64 kbit/sec or 128kbit/sec) or PIAFS communication (both are supported)

[6-1-4] Displayed Contents: moving pictures, still images, voice, and acombination thereof

[6-1-5] Types of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

(1) Moving Pictures

a. MPEG data in the range of 6 Mbps (one type of themoving-picture-contents data 10 a) is used.

b. It takes one to three minutes to display one set of theadvertisement-contents data 10 a.

c. The number of contents stored in one terminal system 30 is limited to20 to 50.

(2) Still Images

a. JPEG data with a resolution equivalent to a VGA level

b. No limit to a time period during which the images are displayed(i.e., the images may be displayed for only a short period of time orfor 24 hours)

(3) Voice

a. An appropriate data format is used.

b. Voice may be provided in combination with moving pictures and stillimages, or may be provided alone.

[6-1-6] Character Message 10 e at Time of Emergency

(1) 5 to 30 characters per message

(2) There are two cases, i.e., the first case in which the characterinformation 10 e is superimposed on the advertisement-contents data 10 aand the second case in which the display of the advertisement-contentsdata 10 a is suspended so as to present the character information 10 eover the entire screen of the large-scale plasma display 3021.(3) The character information 10 e requires realtime handling thereof toa certain extent (i.e., needs to be displayed a few seconds to a fewminutes aver the delivery thereof).[6-1-7] Features of Multi-Media-Automatic-Delivery System 10(1) The terminal systems 30 is provided with a function to displaycontents according to a specified schedule.(2) Operation costs are low. Since the moving-picture-contents data 10 acan be transmitted by taking time during a light-load time period suchas a nighttime, there is no need to use communication lines 11 thatoffer a high-speed data transfer and a large capacity at a high cost.[6-2] Others

In the following, each function of the terminal systems 30 according tothe second embodiment will be further described in detail.

1. Functions of Terminal Systems 30

1-1. Function to Display Contents

1-1-0. Outline

The moving-picture-contents data 10 a and the display-schedule data 10 bare received from the server PC 20, and the moving-picture-contents data10 a is displayed according to a schedule specified in thedisplay-schedule data 10 b.

1-1-1. Function to Receive/Display Data

1. A function is provided to receive and store themoving-picture-contents data 10 a and the display-schedule data 10 b.

Data sent from the server PC 20 is received and stored.

A data format of the advertisement-contents data 10 a is checked, andthe server PC 20 is notified if the check finds abnormality.

2. The moving-picture-contents data 10 a is displayed.

According to the received display schedule, the moving-picture-contentsdata 10 a is displayed.

3. A mechanism is put in place to cope with a change in thedisplay-schedule data 10 b and the moving-picture-contents data 10 awhen the server PC 20 issues a request for a change.

1-1-2. Function to Delete Data

1. The display-schedule data 10 b whose schedule has been worked throughis deleted along with the moving-picture-contents data 10 a.

1-2. Function to Display Emergency Character Information 10 e

1-2-0. Basic Function

The character information 10 e, a display schedule, andcharacter-display-control information are received in an emergency froma dedicated terminal system 30 via the server PC 20, and the characterinformation 10 e is displayed according to a schedule specified in thedisplay-schedule data 10 b.

1-2-1. Function to Receive/Display Data

1. Function to Receive/Store Data Sent from Server PC 20

Data sent from the server PC 20 is received and stored.

2. Display of Character Moving-Picture-Contents Data 10 a

According to the received display schedule, the character information 10e is displayed.

1-2-2. How to Display Character Information 10 e

1. The character information 10 e is displayed according to thecharacter-display-control information.

The character-display-control information includes the followingsettings.

(1) Presentation through superimposition on the currently displayedimage

In this case, the display-schedule data 10 b of theadvertisement-contents data 10 a is not changed.

(2) Presentation of characters alone on the screen

If the moving-picture-contents data 10 a is being displayed, displayedcontents are erased from the screen for presenting the characterinformation 10 e. The canceled contents are not to be presentedretroactively after the end of display of the character information 10e.

1-3. Maintenance/Control Function of Terminal System 30

1-3-0. Outline

1. The terminal-attribute information 10 c is controlled.

2. A log of the terminal system 30 is recorded for themaintenance/control purposes, and is sent to the server PC 20.

A transmission is made as a voluntary action of the terminal system 30,or is made in response to a transmission request from the server PC 20.

3. An automatic diagnosis function and a remote diagnosis function areprovided.

Operator operating the terminal system 30 can access the data that isused for the maintenance/control purposes.

1-3-1. Function to Control Terminal System 30

1. Function to Register Terminal System 30

The following items are registered through operator operations on theterminal system 30 or through instructions from the sever PC 20.

In addition to registration, a means is provided to add, change, anddelete the registered items.

(1) Identification number of the terminal system 30 (an item of theterminal-attribute information 10 c)

(2) Telephone number (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10c)

(3) Installed location (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10c)

(4) Type of display device (i.e., a plasma display 3021, a postervision, etc.)

(5) Identification number(s) of the other terminal system(s) 30 when atwin or triple configuration is used (an item of the terminal-attributeinformation 10 c)

The identification numbers are uniquely assigned. The contents of theregistered items need to maintain consistency between the server PC 20and the terminal system 30.

1-3-2. Function to Diagnose System

1. A self-diagnosis function and a remote diagnosis function areprovided.

Self-diagnosis function: an operation test is automatically conducted bythe terminal system 30 on its own.

Remote-diagnosis function: an operation test on the terminal system 30is conducted via remote control by the server PC 20.

The following tests are conducted with necessary logs being recorded andresults of the tests being sent to the server PC 20.

(1) Test on communications with the server PC 20

(2) Test on displaying of the advertisement-contents data 10 a

(3) Test on operations of the monitor camera (the remote diagnosis alsoincludes a test to transmit a captured picture to the server PC 20)

(4) Test on displaying of the character information 10 e

(5) Other tests necessary for system diagnosis

2. A time to conduct a self diagnosis can be specified by either theterminal system 30 or the server PC 20.

3. The self-diagnosis can also be conducted via operator operations onthe terminal system 30.

1-3-3. Function to Store Log Information and Send same to Server PC 20

1. Timing to Transmit Log Information

Log information is recorded regarding all events occurred duringoperation and results of the diagnoses. Record are such that access canbe made to learn about a given event and to find a time of the event, aterminal system 30 suffering the event, the contents, and the client.

(1) Communication error (transmission upon error occurrence)

(2) Power failure of the terminal system 30 (transmission upon powerfailure)

(3) Error of the terminal system 30 (transmission upon error occurrence)

(4) Transmission status of emergency character information 10 e(transmission to the server PC 20 everyday at such a time as the displayoperation is stopped for the day)

(5) Total time of display operations of the terminal system 30 (i.e.,for the purpose of informing of a time of device replacement)

In addition to the above, the log is recorded in every manner that keepsa thorough record necessary for maintenance/control of the terminalsystem 30, and appropriate measures need to be taken.

1-3-4. Function to Cope with Power Failure

1. Emergency power that is not affected by a power-cut is used as ameasure against a power failure.

2. To cope with a situation in which a long power failure incapacitatesthe emergency power, the terminal system 30 is designed so as to berestarted via remote control from the server PC 20 or via operatoroperations on the terminal system 30.

1-3-5. Remote Maintenance of Software of Terminal System 30

1. Software of the terminal system 30 can be updated, be maintained, beinstalled, and be modified for changing settings thereof via remotecontrol from the server PC 20.

Note: when commercially-available remote-access software is used,terminal systems 30 for installing software can be specified.

1-4. Security Function

1-4-0. Outline

1. A means is provided to insure security against intruders.

Each of the terminal systems 30 is provided with an access authorizationto access the server PC.

1-4-1. Security Function and Access Authorization to Access Server PC 20

1. Security Against Intrusion and Tampering

This function is provided to prevent unauthorized users from entering ortampering with the terminal systems 30 through the network.

An appropriate security measure is taken based on the consideration ofcosts (development/operation costs).

2. An access authorization is registered in the terminal systems 30 withrespect to operators of the terminal systems 30.

3. Access Authorization to Access Server PC 20

A terminal system 30 without no access authorization cannot access theserver PC 20.

(A mechanism is put in place to allow the server PC 20 to distinguishauthorized terminal systems 30 from unauthorized terminal systems 30.)

1-5. Other Functions

1-5-0. Outline

1. Synchronization is established between the server PC 20 and theterminal systems 30.

2. The display device (plasma display 3021) is switched on/off accordingto a schedule transmitted from the server PC 20.

3. A switch is made from one display device to another according to aninstruction from the server PC 20.

4. The display device is taken a picture of, and the picture istransmitted to the server PC 20.

1-5-1. Function to Correct Time Setting of Terminal System 30

A clock of the multi-media-automatic-delivery system 10 is adjusted.

1. A time difference between the server PC 20 and the terminal systems30: less than ±5 seconds

2. A time difference between the terminal systems 30 forming a twin ortriplet configuration: less than ±2 seconds

3. A time difference between the servers (when there are more than oneserver PC 20): less than ±5 seconds

1-5-2. Function to Switch On/Off Terminal System

This function is provided separately for the terminal system PC and thelarge-scale plasma display 3021.

1. The display device is controlled with respect to switching on/offthereof according to the schedule set in advance by the server PC 20 oraccording to instructions given manually at the server PC 20 on thespot.

2. The terminal system PC can be switched on/off through operatoroperations on the server PC 20.

1-5-3. Switching of Display Device

According to a switch instruction sent from the server PC 20 oroperations entered into the terminal system 30, a choice can be madebetween a display-purpose terminal system 30 and a TV monitor.

2. Function to Create/Transmit Emergency Character Information 10 e

2-1. Transmission of the Character Information 10 e

2-1-0. Outlines

A detailed mechanism of creating/transmitting the character information10 e is specified in the specification, and is dependent on thelocations where the terminal systems 30 are installed, the number ofterminal systems 30, and the means of communication.

The following items are listed based on an assumption that a dedicatedterminal system 30 is installed.

1. In an emergency, the character information 10 e is sent to thedisplay-purpose terminal systems 30 via the server PC 20.

In doing so, access authorizations of a source terminal system 30 and anoperator thereof are checked.

The server PC 20 forwards the character information 10 e to thedisplay-purpose terminal systems 30 only when access authorizations arerecognized.

2-1-1. Function to Create Character Information

1. The character information 10 e includes one created on the spot viamanual entry and one selected from a data set provided in advance.

2. The character information 10 e can be registered/edited/deleted.

The data set provided in advance includes data generated by a separatesystem.

2-1-2. Function to Create/Display Display-Schedule data 10 b

1. Function to Create the Display-Schedule Data 10 b

The display-schedule data 10 b includes a display-start time, adisplay-end time, and an identification number of a terminal system 30(an item of the terminal-attribute information 10 c).

The schedule can be registered, edited, and deleted.

2. Function to Set the Way of Displaying on Monitor

(1) A switch can be made between full-screen display and superimpositiondisplay.

(2) A character size can be chosen.

2-1-3. Function to Transmit Data

1. A display-purpose terminal system 30 sends to the server PC 20necessary data for displaying the character information 10 e. Such dataincludes the character information 10 e, a display schedule,display-control information, and identification data.

2-2. Function to Maintain/Control Dedicated Terminal System 30

2-2-0. Outline

1. The terminal-attribute information 10 c is controlled.

2. A necessary diagnosis is given to the multi-media-automatic-deliverysystem 1. Function to provide a diagnosis includes an automaticdiagnosis function and a remote diagnosis function.

2-2-1. Function to Control Terminal System 30

1. Function to Control the Terminal-Attribute Information 10 c

The terminal-attribute information 10 c is registered in order tocontrol the terminal systems 30. In addition to new registration, suchfunctions are provided as to change/delete the registered items.

There is a need to insure consistency of the terminal-attributeinformation 10 c between the server PC 20 and the terminal systems 30.

2-2-2. System-Diagnosis Function

1. An automatic diagnosis function and a remote diagnosis function areprovided.

(1) Test on communications with the server PC 20

(2) Test on data transmission

(3) Other system-diagnosis tests which are deemed necessary

2-3. Security Function

2-3-0. Outline

A function is provided to insure security against an intruder fromoutside.

Identification needs to be recognized by the server PC 20 whentransmitting the character information 10 e.

2-3-1. Security Function and Access Authorization to Access Server PC 20

1. Security Against Intrusion and Tampering

This function is provided to prevent unauthorized users from entering ortampering with the terminal systems 30 through the network.

An appropriate security measure is taken based on the consideration ofcosts (development/operation costs).

2. An access authorization is registered in the terminal systems 30 withrespect to operators of the terminal systems 30.

3. Access Authorization to Access Server PC 20

A terminal system 30 and an operator thereof without no accessauthorization cannot access the server PC 20. A mechanism is put inplace to allow the server PC 20 to distinguish authorized terminalsystems 30 from unauthorized terminal systems 30.

3. Structure of Transmission Data

3-1. Data Type

3-1-0. Outline

Specifications regarding data formats of all data types includingattached information and specifications of interface with the server PC20 are created.

3-1-1. Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

1. Moving picture (MPEG2), still images (JPEG), voice

2. Each piece of contents has an identification number.

3. A contents name, a client name, a registration date, a set of targetterminal systems 30, and data types are included as attachedinformation.

3-1-2. Display-Schedule Data 10 b of Advertisement-Contents Data 10 a

1. A date and time of a start, a date and time of an end, and a numberof repetitions may be included in the data structure to insure smoothdisplay of contents in a specified order.

A date and time of a start, a date and time of an end, a number ofrepetitions, and the like are specified by the client.

3-1-3. Character Information 10 e

1. Each piece of the character information 10 e has an identificationnumber assigned thereto.

2. A date and time of transmission, a date and time of display, and anidentification number (an item of the terminal-attribute information 10c) of the terminal system 30 are included as attached information.

As described above, the present invention provides the followingadvantages. Even when moving-picture information or high-definitionimages having a large amount of multi-media data in the range of severalhundreds mega-bytes is sent from the center system to the terminalsystems for the purpose of delivering commercials on sales goods,notices from a local community, traffic information, a local weatherforecast, or the like, the contents are delivered during a time periodwhen the communication-line-usage fee is relatively inexpensive, thepurpose being to avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage feecaused by use of the communication lines during a daytime for a longtime period for delivering a large amount of the data. In this manner,the light-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at alow cost so as to cope with the delivery of multi-media data such asmoving pictures or high-definition images. Further, even whenmoving-picture information or high-definition images having a largeamount of multi-media data in the range of several hundreds mega-bytesis sent from the center system to the terminal systems for the purposeof delivering commercials on sales goods, notices from a localcommunity, traffic information, a local weather forecast, or the like,the contents are delivered during a time period when the terminalsystems are idling, the purpose being not to require the terminalsystems to have a high-performance capacity and not to require thecommunication lines to have a high-speed-data-transfer capacity so as toavoid a cost increase associated with enhancement of the terminalsystems and to avoid an increase in a communication-line-usage feecaused by use of a high-speed-data-transfer network. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented at a lowcost so as to cope with delivery of multi-media data such as movingpictures or high-definition video images. Moreover, based on thefunction to control the contents-delivery-schedule data, the contentsare changed for each of the terminal systems based on thecharacteristics of the individual terminal systems so as to take intoaccount a season, a date, a day, locations of the terminal systems, etc.Such a function is implemented as thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function. As a result, it ispossible to eliminate time and labor that would be spent on recordingthe contents in recording media such as magneto-optical memory media ormagnetic disks at the site of the center system. Also, time and laborspent on the delivery of the recording media to the terminal systems areeliminated. Further, there is no need to spend time and labor on loadingthe recording media to the reading devices of the terminal systems so asto store the contents in the terminal systems. In this manner, thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function is implemented so as toeliminate a need for time and labor to be spent on recording of contentsin memory media, delivery of the memory media, and reading of contentsfrom the memory media. Namely, the remote-delivery function directed todelivery of high-definition moving pictures (i.e., thelight-load-time-period-remote-casting function) can be achievedeconomically by using existing infrastructure, whereas such a functioncannot be implemented in the related-art schemes which are based oneither delivery of recording media or one-way delivery of contents.

Further, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, butvarious variations and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

1. A delivery system for delivering a plurality of contents, comprising: a center system configured to deliver the plurality of contents; a plurality of terminal apparatuses configured to receive the plurality of contents from the center system and to display the plurality of contents; and communication lines connecting said center system to said plurality of terminal apparatuses and configured to transmit the plurality of contents, wherein said center system comprises: a delivery-schedule setting unit configured to set a schedule of delivery of the plurality of contents; a content-delivery unit configured to identify the contents to be delivered to one of the terminal apparatuses based on attribute information indicative of at least one characteristic of the one of the terminal apparatuses and to deliver the contents to the one of the terminal apparatuses, wherein the one of the terminal apparatuses sends the center system a picture of a screen of said the one of the terminal apparatuses on which the contents received from the center system is displayed; and a remote monitoring unit configured to determine based on the received picture of the screen of said one of the terminal apparatuses whether any of the plurality of contents are displayed on the screen of said the one of the terminal apparatuses.
 2. The delivery system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an output schedule setting unit configured to set an output schedule as the attribute information of the one of the terminal apparatuses, said output schedule defining a schedule according to which the contents to be delivered to and stored at the one of the terminal apparatuses are displayed at the one of the terminal apparatuses, and wherein the output schedule set by the output schedule setting unit is transmitted to the one of the terminal apparatuses.
 3. The delivery system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the delivery schedule setting unit is configured to set a delivery schedule as the attribute information of the one of the terminal apparatuses, said delivery schedule defining a schedule according to which contents are delivered during a low utilization period in which a utilization of the one of the terminal apparatuses drops below a predetermined level.
 4. The delivery system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the delivery schedule setting unit derives the utilization of the one of terminal apparatus apparatuses based on a preset output schedule.
 5. The delivery system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the delivery schedule setting unit includes a delivery scheduling function to control the delivery of the contents identified for the one of the terminal apparatuses based on the delivery schedule already set for the one of the terminal apparatuses and the output schedule already transmitted to the one of the terminal apparatuses.
 6. The delivery system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the delivery schedule setting unit is provided with a function to modify a currently effective delivery schedule, and wherein when the delivery schedule is to be newly set for the one of the terminal apparatuses to deliver new contents to the one of the terminal apparatuses, said function derives an available time according to the output schedule and the delivery schedule and a time required to deliver the contents based on the output schedule and delivery schedule currently set for the one of the terminal apparatuses and the low utilization period of the one of the terminal apparatuses.
 7. The delivery system of claim 2, wherein the output schedule transmitted to the one of the terminal apparatuses includes a date and time for display of the contents on the screen of the one of the terminal apparatuses.
 8. A contents delivery method for delivering contents to be stored and displayed at a terminal apparatus that is connected thereto via a network, comprising: causing a contents storing unit to store contents to be delivered to the terminal apparatus; causing an attribute information storing unit to store attribute information indicative of at least one characteristic of the terminal apparatus on a terminal-apparatus-specific basis; identifying the contents to be delivered to the terminal apparatus among the contents stored in the contents storing unit based on the attribute information of the terminal apparatus; retrieving the identified contents from the contents storing unit for delivery to the terminal apparatus; delivering the identified contents to the terminal apparatus; receiving a picture of a screen of said terminal apparatus on which the contents is displayed; and determining, based on the received picture of the screen of said terminal apparatus, whether any of the plurality of contents are displayed on the terminal apparatus.
 9. The contents delivery method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: setting an output schedule as the attribute information of the terminal apparatus, said output schedule defining a schedule according to which the contents to be delivered to and stored at the terminal apparatus are displayed at the terminal apparatus; and transmitting the output schedule to the terminal apparatus.
 10. The contents delivery method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising setting a delivery schedule as the attribute information of the terminal apparatus, said delivery schedule defining a schedule according to which contents are delivered during a low utilization period in which a utilization of the terminal apparatus drops below a predetermined level.
 11. The contents delivery method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the utilization of the terminal apparatus is derived based on a preset output schedule.
 12. The contents delivery method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the delivery of the contents identified for the terminal apparatus is controlled by referring to the delivery schedule set for the terminal apparatus.
 13. The contents delivery method as claimed in claim 10, wherein when the delivery schedule is to be newly set for the terminal apparatus, a currently effective delivery schedule is modified by deriving an available time according to the output schedule and the delivery schedule and a time required to deliver the contents based on the output schedule and delivery schedule currently set for the terminal apparatus and the low utilization period of the terminal apparatus.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the output schedule transmitted to the terminal apparatus includes a date and time for display of the contents on the screen of the terminal apparatus. 